Archived News for Energy Sector Professionals - July, 2013
The University of New South Wales is bringing back its formerly-axed Nuclear Engineering degree, thirty years after cutting it from the curriculum.
Best of two worlds in solar/hydro breakthrough
German scientists have developed a new device for converting solar energy into hydrogen fuel in a much more effective and efficient manner than before.
Carbon-catching could continue in QLD
A trial of carbon capturing devices at a Queensland power station has been hailed as successful by the CSIRO.
Trillions to be lost through climate inaction
Estimates from global economists suggest the current rate of climate change will wipe $60 trillion from the world’s economy over the next few decades.
Break-through in solar stoush
There has been some success in the negotiations between European and Chinese Authorities to curb EU imports of solar panels from China in exchange for exempting the shipments from punitive tariffs.
Cougar retracts its claws
Cougar Energy has ditched its multi-million dollar law suit against the Queensland State Government over the forced closure of an underground coal gas project.
New tech could help embattled TEPCO
International nuclear authorities have unleashed a tirade on Japanese operators, condemning their perceived incompetence in recent melt-down disasters.
Nation-wide shale policy plugged
A report on the cost and impact of shale coal mining says Australia needs to adopt nation-wide legislation before the practice escalates.
Fukushima fallout confirmed
Radioactive water is leaking from the broken Fukishima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, with rumours now confirmed by the plant’s operator.
Mine funds pumped for dumping
Investigations have led to charges for several Queensland mining operators, after it was found they had improperly dumped wastewater into local systems.
Uranium upswing illuminates outlook
The Federal Government is glowing over uranium - looking toward a radioactive future to boost Australian jobs and the economy, despite a global drop in nuclear power production.
Industry clearing up invisible gas claims
The chief executive of Origin Energy says the Coal Seam Gas industry should be completely transparent to allay fears from anti-CSG groups.
Peabody slashes 400 jobs in QLD and NSW
Peabody Energy will cut 400 positions across its NSW and QLD coal mines, pointing to challenging market conditions as the reason for sackings.
Hot rocks take off
The pilot site for geo-thermal energy generation in Western Australia is bubbling along, reportedly operating better than expected.
Origin says ETS could push coal
The chief of Origin Energy has said the price of carbon would have to be a great deal higher before the company would think of moving away from coal.
Rare earth gold rush in US
The US Geological Society is encouraging people to comb through the left-overs of old mining operations and look for materials they may not have known were valuable in the past.
Tidal power rolls in to WA
Western Australia will be the site of a new tidal energy trial, seeking to harness the power of waves for human use.
QLD Council pushes for solar utility
The Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland is planning to supply half of its total energy needs from a large solar farm announced this week.
Billion dollar bill to axe tax
The Prime Minister has announced the cost of his plan to terminate the carbon tax.
Solar power tower site picked
A site has been proposed for the creation of the largest thermal solar power demonstration model in Australia.
Water result; CSG stopped in Illawarra
In a big win for people power, water safety and environmentalism, 16 planned coal seam gas wells will not be built after the Planning Assessment Commission disapproved the projects.